Persistence defines Livonia Franklin junior wrestler Russell Rusnell, who captured this week’s Hometown Life Prep Athlete of the Week poll by a landslide.

Rusnell — who came in a close second place in the previous week’s weekly poll — was nominated for a second consecutive week after his strong second-place showing in the 112-pound weight class at the Division 1 individual regionals Feb. 17 at Saline High School.

He collected 7,316 of 9,276 total votes cast for just under 79 percent. In second place was Livonia Stevenson senior girls basketball player Sarah Tanderys (1,842, 19.86 percent).

The third-place finisher (wrestler Mikey Mars of Westland John Glenn) received only 40 votes.

“I was very surprised, in response to being selected as Prep Athlete of the Week,” wrote Rusnell, in an e-mail. “I was nominated last week and was very close to winning it, and was a little disappointed when I lost.

“When I was nominated this week, I found out a little bit earlier and immediately started to tell my family and friends to go vote, which I think made a huge difference.”

Rusnell’s second nomination followed his performance at the individual regionals, where he defeated Temperance Bedford’s Chase Grzegorczyk and Plymouth’s Tyler Campbell to reach the finals at 112.

Russell Rusnell(Photo: SUBMITTED)

Following a loss to Alec Balogh of Southgate Anderson, Rusnell’s record entering the March 3 state individual finals at Ford Field in Detroit is 47-7 with 18 pins. For his career, he has 107 victories.

“I think I wrestled really well at individual regionals, however, there were a couple things that I need to work on during these next two weeks of practice heading into the state tournament,” Rusnell continued. “I have been wrestling much better this year than I did last year which I think can be contributed to confidence.

“This year I have stepped on the line confident in every match and that has helped me wrestled much better. I am extremely excited to wrestle next weekend at Ford Field, there is nothing better than the feeling of wrestling at states.”

With another season left in his prep career, Rusnell has a shot to reach 150 career wins. He already is the latest in a long line of outstanding Franklin wrestlers.

Joining Rusnell from the Patriots at Ford Field will be Johnny DiPonio, Jake Swirple and Manee Willie.

“It is amazing to be able to help continue the legacy that was made by previous teams and individuals, such as Nathan and Jordan Atienza, and to be apart of a program that has won 13 straight district titles,” Rusnell said. “Much of my success can be attributed to coach (David) Chiola and coach (Josh) Billiau. They have helped me tremendously to grow on the mat” since seventh grade.